Method and system for rapid and controlled elevation of a raisable floor for pools

ABSTRACT

A rapid elevation floor system for a pool at least partially filled with pool water, including a raisable floor for disposing over the bottom of the pool. The raisable floor is combined of a plurality of modular floor elements, at least some of which include a ballasting receptacle. The ballasting receptacle is adapted to receive and discharge a volume of a flotation fluid lighter than the pool water, enabling the pool water to occupy any part of the volume when unoccupied by the flotation fluid. When the raisable floor is disposed beneath the surface of the pool water, the amount of the flotation fluid contained in the raisable floor is adjusted to render the specific weight of the raisable floor as equal to, or as slightly greater than the specific weight of the pool water, such that pumping of the flotation fluid into the ballasting receptacle(s) urges a rapid elevation of the raisable floor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/IL2009/001081, filed on Nov. 17, 2009, which claimspriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/115,222, filed onNov. 17, 2008, both of which are incorporated in their entirety hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a raisable floor for pools and moreparticularly, to a method and a system for rapid and controlledelevation of a raisable floor for pools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Raisable pool floors for aquatic pools are known in the art. In standardpractice, the buoyancy of the raisable pool floors is adjusted bypumping air into a ballasting receptacle, to change the pool floordepth.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,390 of Laks, entitled “Aquatic Raisable FloorApparatus”, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as iffully set forth herein, is directed to a pool floor system, whichenables raising the pool floor, by compressing air into buoyancychambers. The pool floor system includes a pool floor platform, severalbuoyancy chambers, an air compressor, a plurality of exhaust valves, acontrol panel and a guiding mechanism.

Each buoyancy chamber is connected to the lower side of the platformunderneath thereof, with the air compressor, and with a pair of exhaustvalves. The control panel is connected to a compressed gas source andwith the exhaust valves. A control system regulates the compressed airflow and exhaust valve operation. The platform is similar in size to thefloor of the pool. The weight of the platform is such that, when thebuoyancy chambers are filled with air, the platform rises toward thewater surface. When it is desired to have the platform move towards thebottom of the pool, the control panel opens the exhaust valves, allowingair from the buoyancy chambers to vent out into the atmosphere. Theventing of air causes water from the pool to move and occupy, thebuoyancy chambers, thereby reducing the buoyancy of the chambers, andlowering the platform to the bottom of the pool.

The guiding mechanism is in the form of a plurality of vertical racksattached to side walls of the pool. The guiding mechanism guides theplatform up and down, and keeps the platform in a horizontally leveledposition. The guiding mechanism further includes a locking mechanism forlocking the platform at a desired height.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,615 to Perrier, entitled “Fail-Safe Safety SwimmingPool Net”, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as iffully set forth herein, is directed to a buoyant safety bottom,submerged at the bottom of a pool, and ready to float in case a persondrowns in the pool. The safety bottom system includes the buoyant safetybottom, a plurality of hydraulic submerging mechanisms, and a detectionsystem. The buoyant safety bottom is made of a rigid non-buoyantmaterial perforated with circular drains. The buoyant safety bottom isencircled with peripheral floats. Each drain of the buoyant safetybottom is encircled by a flotation ring. The entire buoyant safetybottom, including the peripheral floats and the floating rings, isbuoyant. The submerging mechanisms are connected with the buoyant safetybottom and with the detection system. The submerging mechanisms includea retaining part.

The submerging mechanisms submerge the buoyant safety bottom and keep itat the bottom of the pool. When the detection system detects a drowningperson, it sends a control signal to the submerging mechanisms, forreleasing the buoyant safety bottom. The buoyant safety bottom floats tothe surface of the water, and rescues the drowning person.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,843 to Belanger, entitled “Pool Floor”, is directedto an adjustable flooring structure for swimming pools. The adjustableflooring structure includes a plurality of modules, a plurality of grillareas and a pump. Each of the modules includes two composite rectangularpanels and ballasting polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes interconnectedbetween the panels. The ballasting pipes of each of the modulesinterconnect with the ballasting pipes of adjacent modules, to form acontinuum of ballasting pipes. The ballasting pipes of one of the cornermodules are connected with the pump. A first portion of the grill areasencircle the flooring structure, and a second portion of the grill areasis interconnected between rows of the modules.

The modules are characterized by a low level of negative buoyancy. Inthis manner, even a small volume ballasting means and a small pumpcapacity causes the entire module to float or submerge. The grill areasfacilitate water circulation when the adjustable flooring structuremoves up and down. After installation of the adjustable flooringstructure, the adjustable flooring structure floats on top of the watersurface. For submerging the floor, one turns on the pump. The pumpcommences to fill the ballasting pipes with water, to submerge theadjustable flooring structure to the bottom of the pool. If one wishesto adjust the height of the adjustable flooring structure, a pluralityof leg assemblies may be connected to each module.

In order to effectively serve for rescuing drowning people and evenanimals by means of raisable pool floors, the elevation must beautomatic, highly reliable, and sufficiently fast to enable the victimto receive effective CPR before too much time elapses to be saved.

None of the prior art devices comprises all of the above characteristicsand functions.

There is therefore a need for a method and a system for rapid andcontrolled elevation of a raisable floor for pools, which comprises acombination of all of the above characteristics and functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The background art does not teach or suggest a system for rescue of adrowning victim from the water which works automatically, at sufficientspeed and reliability.

According to the disclosed technique there is provided a novel systemand method for rapidly elevating a sunken platform from the pool bottompool floor, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

In accordance with the disclosed technique, there is thus provided asystem for rapidly elevating a floor platform from the bottom of a pool,the pool being at least partially filled with pool water. The systemincludes a raisable floor with upper surface for disposing over thebottom of the pool. The raisable floor is combined of a plurality ofmodular floor elements, at least some of which include a ballastingreceptacle. The ballasting receptacle is adapted to receive anddischarge a volume of a flotation gas or fluid with a sufficiently lowspecific weight relative to that of the pool water, enabling the poolwater to occupy any part of the volume when unoccupied by the flotationfluid. A flotation fluid conducting tubing in fluid connection with theballasting receptacle(s), conducts the flotation fluid into at least oneballasting receptacle from a floatation fluid source, such a compressor.When the raisable floor system is disposed beneath the surface of thepool water, the amount of the flotation fluid contained in the raisablefloor system is adjusted to render the specific weight of the raisablefloor system as equal to, or as slightly greater than the specificweight of the pool water, such that pumping of the flotation fluid intothe ballasting receptacle(s) urges a rapid elevation of the raisablefloor.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed technique, there isthus provided a method and a system for rapidly elevating a sunkenelevating floor platform from the pool bottom, the pool being at leastpartially filled with pool water. The system includes a raisable floorfor disposing over the bottom of the pool. The raisable floor iscombined of a plurality of modular floor elements at least some of whichinclude a ballasting receptacle. The ballasting receptacle is adapted toreceive and discharge a volume of a flotation fluid or gas with aspecific weight sufficiently lower than that of the pool water, enablingthe pool water to occupy any part of the volume when unoccupied by theflotation fluid. A plurality of floor tiles is coupled with the modularfloor elements in order to form a continuous floor, matching the bottomof the pool. A flotation fluid conducting tubing in fluid connectionwith the ballasting receptacle(s), conducts the flotation fluid into atleast one ballasting receptacle from a flotation fluid pumping unit.When the raisable floor system is disposed beneath the surface of thepool water, the amount of the flotation fluid contained in the raisablefloor system is adjusted to render the specific weight of the raisablefloor system as equal to, or as slightly greater than the specificweight of the pool water, such that pumping of the flotation fluid intothe ballasting receptacle(s) urges a rapid elevation of the raisablefloor.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

According to the present invention there is provided a modular rapidelevation floor system, for disposing over the bottom of a pool, therapid elevation floor system including: (A) a raisable floor.

According to another feature of the present invention the raisable floorincludes: (a) inner elongated modular floor elements; (b) at least twoperipheral elongated modular floor elements, having peripheral elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion outer facets; (c) atleast one cross intersection modular floor elements; (d) at least twoT-intersection modular floor elements; and (e) at least two cornermodular floor elements, wherein each of the corner modular floorelements is operatively connected to two of the peripheral elongatedmodular floor elements, wherein each of the T-intersection modular floorelements is operatively connected to two peripheral elongated modularfloor elements, wherein each of the inner elongated modular floorelements is operatively connected to one of the T-intersection modularfloor elements, and to one of the cross intersection modular floorelement, and wherein the raisable floor has an raisable floor uppersurface.

According to still another feature of the present invention each one ofthe inner elongated modular floor elements includes: (i) an innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, that cancontain fluids, the inner elongated modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion having at least one top facet of inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacles; (ii) an inner elongatedmodular floor element upper portion, disposed on the inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion; and (iii) anelongated flotation fluid conducting tubing mounted inside the innerelongated modular floor element upper portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention each one ofthe peripheral elongated modular floor elements includes: (i) aperipheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion, that can contain fluids, the peripheral elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion has at least one top facet ofperipheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion; (ii) a peripheral elongated modular floor element upperportion, disposed on the peripheral elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion; and (iii) a peripheral elongatedflotation fluid conducting tubing module mounted inside the peripheralelongated modular floor element upper portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention each one ofthe cross intersection modular floor element includes: (i) a crossintersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, thatcan contain fluids, the cross intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion having at least one top facet of crossintersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portions; (ii)a cross intersection modular floor element upper portion, disposed onthe cross intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion; and (iii) a cross intersection flotation fluid conductingtubing module mounted inside the cross intersection modular floorelement upper portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention each one ofthe T-intersection modular floor element includes: (i) a T-intersectionmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, that can containfluids, the T-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion having at least one top facet of ballasting receptacle portionof T-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion;(ii) a T-intersection modular floor element upper portion, disposed onthe T-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion;and (iii) a T-intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing modulemounted inside the T-intersection modular floor element upper portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention each one ofthe corner modular floor element includes: (i) a corner modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion, that can contain fluids, thecorner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, having atleast one top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of corner modularfloor; (ii) a corner modular floor element upper portion, disposed onthe corner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion; and(iii) a corner flotation fluid conducting tubing module mounted insidethe corner modular floor element upper portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention the rapidelevation floor system further includes: (B) at least one flooring tilelying, at least partially, on the top facet of ballasting receptacleportion of corner modular floor, wherein the flooring tile has at leastone drainage hole.

According to still another feature of the present invention the rapidelevation floor system further includes: (B) at least one flooring tilelying at least on two top facets selected from a group consisting of twotop facets of peripheral elongated modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portions, two top facets of cross intersection modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion, two top facets of ballastingreceptacle portions of T-intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portions, and two top facets of ballasting receptacleportions of corner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portions,wherein the flooring tile has at least one drainage hole.

According to still another feature of the present invention the innerelongated modular floor element further includes: (iv) a ballastingreceptacle inner volume located inside the inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion; (v) a flotation fluid dischargevalve securely connected to the inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion, in a way that enables a selectivedischarge of a flotation fluid from the ballasting receptacle innervolume; and (vii) a one way check valve securely connected to the innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion in a waythat enables a fluid flow from the inner elongated modular floor elementupper portion into the ballasting receptacle inner volume, and blocks afluid flow from the ballasting receptacle inner volume, into innerelongated modular floor element upper portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention the innerelongated modular floor element further includes: (viii) a partitionbarrier disposed inside the inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion.

According to still another feature of the present invention the innerelongated modular floor element further includes: (ix) at least oneopening located at a bottom of the inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion; and (x) a stretching sleeve disposed onthe inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portionin a way that enables a fluid flow through the opening from theballasting receptacle inner volume into the stretching sleeve and fromthe stretching sleeve into the ballasting receptacle inner volume,wherein the stretching sleeve includes at least one stretching sleevehole.

According to still another feature of the present invention the innerelongated modular floor element further includes: (ix) at least oneopening located at a bottom of the inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion; and (x) a flotation bag disposed on theinner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion in away that enables a fluid flow through the opening from the ballastingreceptacle inner volume into the flotation bag and from the flotationbag into the ballasting receptacle inner volume.

According to still another feature of the present invention theperipheral elongated modular floor element further includes: (iv) acushion disposed on the peripheral elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion outer facet.

According to still another feature of the present invention the crossintersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module includes a set ofx-flotation fluid conducting tubes, a set of y-flotation fluidconducting tubes, and a set of flotation fluid conducting valves,wherein each of the flotation fluid conducting valves are coupledbetween an x-flotation fluid conducting tube, and a y-flotation fluidconducting tube.

According to still another feature of the present invention at least oneof the cross intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing modules isoperatively connected to one elongated flotation fluid conducting tubingin a way that enables a direct fluid flow from tubes of the crossintersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module into tubes of theelongated flotation fluid conducting tubing.

According to still another feature of the present invention the rapidelevation floor system further includes: (C) a manifold; (D) a flotationfluid source; (E) a flotation fluid source tube; and (F) at least twomanifold tubes, wherein the manifold is in fluid connection with theraisable floor, through the flotation fluid source tube, and wherein theflotation fluid source is in fluid connection with the manifold throughthe manifold tubes.

According to still another feature of the present invention theflotation fluid source is a compressor.

According to still another feature of the present invention the raisablefloor further includes: (f) at least one pressure sensor disposed on theraisable floor upper surface; and (g) at least one second type sensorselected from a group consisting of hydrophone sensor, energy sensor,and location sensor, disposed on the raisable floor upper surface.

According to still another feature of the present invention the rapidelevation floor system further includes: (I) a human machine interface;and (J) a command and control unit, wherein the human machine interfaceis operatively connected to the command and control unit, and whereinthe human machine interface is operatively connected to a second type ofsensors.

According to still another feature of the present invention the raisablefloor contains an amount of flotation fluid, and wherein the command andcontrol unit commands and controls the amount of flotation fluid.

According to still another feature of the present invention the rapidelevation floor system has a standby mode of operation, and wherein atthe standby mode of operation the raisable floor and the amount offlotation fluid have an average specific weight of at most one gram percubic centimeter.

According to still another feature of the present invention the raisablefloor comprises at least two volume sections, wherein the command andcontrol unit commands and controls a selective pressure of flotationfluid at the volume sections.

According to still another feature of the present invention the raisablefloor includes: (i) at least two modular floor elements, wherein atleast some of which include a ballasting receptacle, the ballastingreceptacle being adapted to receive and discharge a volume of aflotation fluid; and (ii) a flotation fluid conducting tubing in fluidconnection with the ballasting receptacle, wherein the flotation fluidconducting tubing of at least one the modular floor element is in fluidconnection with the flotation fluid conducting tubing of at least threeother of the modular floor elements, for forming a continuous flotationfluid conducting tubing.

According to still another feature of the present invention the rapidelevation floor system including no hydraulic sub-system, and no metalcomponents and wherein the rapid elevation floor system including nomoving support elements.

According to still another feature of the present invention the raisablefloor includes at least one manhole wherein the manhole has a manholecircle having a manhole circle diameter value, wherein the manholecircle diameter value has at least a manhole circle diameterpredetermined value, wherein the flooring tile has a flooring tileweight value, wherein the flooring tile weight value has at most tileweigh predetermined value, wherein the flooring tile has a tile specificgravity less than 1.0.

According to the present invention there is provided a method forassembling a rapid elevation floor system in a pool, the methodcomprising the stages of: (a) assembling a raisable floor inside thepool; (b) adding sensors to the raisable floor, and connecting theraisable floor platform to auxiliary units; (c) laying flooring tiles onthe raisable floor; and (d) sinking the raisable floor platform to abottom of the pool.

According to another feature of the present invention the stage ofassembling a raisable floor inside the pool includes the sub-stages of:(i) laying a corner modular floor element on the water; (ii) laying twoperipheral elongated modular floor elements and connected them to thecorner modular floor element; (iii) laying a T-intersection modularfloor element and connected it to a peripheral elongated modular floorelement; (iv) laying an inner elongated modular floor element andconnecting it to a peripheral elongated modular floor element; and (v)laying a cross intersection modular floor element and connecting it toan inner elongated modular floor element; and wherein the stage ofsinking the raisable floor platform to a bottom of the pool includes thesub-stages of: (i) operatively connecting a human-machine interface, acommand and control unit, a flotation fluid source, and a manifold tothe raisable floor; and (ii) operatively connecting a second type sensorand a pressure sensor to the raisable floor.

According to the present invention there is provided a method for rapidand controlled elevation of a raisable floor in a pool, the methodcomprising the stage of: (a) elevating a raisable floor to a watersurface in the pool, wherein the floor system includes: (i) at least twomodular floor elements, wherein at least some of which include aballasting receptacle inner volume, the ballasting receptacle innervolume being adapted to receive and discharge a volume of a flotationfluid; and (ii) a flotation fluid conducting tubing in fluid connectionwith the ballasting receptacle inner volume, wherein the flotation fluidconducting tubing of at least one modular floor element is in fluidconnection with the flotation fluid conducting tubing of at least threeother of the modular floor elements, for forming a continuous flotationfluid conducting tubing.

According to still another feature of the present invention, the stageof elevating a raisable floor to a water surface in the pool includesthe sub-stages of: (i) keeping a predetermined amount of flotation fluidinside ballasting receptacle inner volumes of the raisable floor forcontrolling a raisable floor specific gravity, wherein the raisablefloor is laying on a pool bottom; (ii) infusing flotation fluid insidethe ballasting receptacle inner volumes of the raisable floor forcontrolled elevation of the raisable floor; (iii) measuring modularfloor elements depth difference inside the water among certain of the atleast two modular floor elements; (iv) balancing the raisable floor byinfusing controlled amount of flotation fluid into the ballastingreceptacle inner volumes; and (v) limiting a movement of air within theballasting receptacle inner volume according to modular floor elementsdepths, for the purpose of improving a stability of the raisable floorand its controllability.

According to still another feature of the present invention the methodfor rapid and controlled elevation of a raisable floor furthercomprising the stage of: (b) before elevating the raisable floor,detecting an unusual situation inside the water of the pool.

According to still another feature of the present invention the stage ofdetecting an unusual situation inside the water of the pool includes thesub-stages of: (i) receiving a signals from at least one sensor; and(ii) recognizing the signals as a result from an emergence situation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation,together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following detailed description when readwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of an inner elongated modular floor element,according to the present invention, upon which the section plane a-a ismarked;

FIG. 2 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a peripheral elongated modular floor element,according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element,according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a T-intersection modular floor element,according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a corner modular floor element, according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a flooring tile, according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 a is a cross sectional view a-a illustrative, exemplaryembodiment of an inner elongated modular floor element, according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 b is a cross sectional view a-a illustrative, exemplaryembodiment of an inner elongated modular floor element, including apartition barrier, according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 c is an isometric view illustrative, exemplary embodiment of apartition barrier, according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 a is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element upperportion, according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is a front view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of an intersection of an x-flotation fluidconducting tube, a y-flotation fluid conducting tub, and a flotationfluid conducting valve, of a cross intersection modular floor elementupper portion, according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 a is a top view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor platform, according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 b is a top view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor, with flooring tiles, accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 10 a is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element witha flotation bag, full of flotation fluid, according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 b is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element witha flotation bag, empty of flotation fluid, according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates the flow ofsensor data, command and control signals, and pressures in a rapidelevation floor system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the hierarchy of the sub-systemscomposing a raisable floor, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor platform namely a raisablefloor without flooring tiles, and without any other accessories,according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a pool;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method forassembling a rapid elevation floor system in a pool, according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method for rapidand controlled elevation of a raisable floor in pool, according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 17 a-17 d are four top view schematic illustrations, showingvarious stages of placing elements upon the water surface, according tothe present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a side view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor inside water between poolwalls, according to the present invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements for clarity. Further, where consideredappropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention includes a method and system for rapid andcontrolled elevation of a raisable floor for pools. The principles andoperation of a rapid elevation floor system according to the presentinvention may be better understood with reference to the drawings andthe accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The materials, dimensions,methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and are notintended to be limiting.

It will be noted that the manner in which the elements of the presentinvention are described in the illustrations can be highly detailed,however, these details are not intended as in any way limiting thepresent invention, but rather are provided for purposes of clarificationand furthering understanding of the embodiments described. The presentinvention can be implemented in embodiments that differ from the belowspecification with regard to the illustrations.

The disclosed technique overcomes some or all disadvantages of the priorart, for example, by providing a system with decision-makingcapabilities and a method for rapid elevation floor system for rescuinga drowning person.

A raisable floor of the rapid elevation floor system may be modular,thereby enabling matching of the raisable floor to substantially anypool bottom. The modular elements of the raisable floor may beinterconnected by an adhesive, by a mechanical force (e.g., by wedging amodular floor element between a plurality of surrounding modular floorelements, such that it is held by the surrounding modular floorelements), and the like.

The rapid elevation floor system may elevate the raisable floor bypumping a flotation fluid into at least one ballasting receptacle,thereby increasing the buoyancy of the raisable floor. By selectivelydischarging the flotation fluid from the ballasting receptacle, thebuoyancy of the raisable floor decreases, thereby causing the raisablefloor to sink. The modular rapid elevation floor system is designed towork in concert with a drowning detection system. Such systems which,for example are based on sonar signals exist in the market. Therefore,the raisable floor system of the current invention is an intelligentsystem with decision making capabilities (i.e., the system isself-operating and is capable of learning).

As used herein the specification and in the claims section that follows:

The term “pool” and the like refer to any aquatic container in which aperson or an animal (i.e., a living creature) might be in danger ofdrowning, and specifically include swimming pools as the most commonpools.

The term “drowning event” and the like refer to an occurrence whichnecessitates the raising of the raisable floor to rescue a possibledrowning living creature.

The term “flotation fluid” and the like refers to a liquid or gas with asufficiently low specific weight relative to that of the water occupyinga pool, such that the flotation fluid floats to the surface of thewater. The flotation fluid can be a gas, liquid, and the like (e.g.,air, oil, and the like).

The term “flotation fluid pumping unit” and the like, refers to a devicewhich discharges the flotation fluid into the raisable floor. Forexample, a compressor is most applicable if air is the flotation fluid.Another example includes a device which mixes chemical compounds whichreact there-between (namely, causes a controlled explosion) to rapidlyproduce a flotation fluid which may be conducted to the ballastingreceptacles.

The term “ballasting receptacle inner volume” and the like, refers to areceptacle (which can contain a flotation fluid), such as the ballastingreceptacle inner volumes of the inner elongated modular floor element,the peripheral elongated modular floor element, the cross intersectionmodular floor element, the T-intersection modular floor element, and thecorner modular floor element.

The buoyancy of the ballasting receptacle is modified by the volume ofthe flotation fluid contained within the ballasting receptacle. When theballasting receptacle is filled with water from the pool, the ballastingreceptacle will sink. When the ballasting receptacle is filled withflotation fluid the ballasting receptacle will float.

The term “flotation bag” and the like refers to a closed elastic bag forcontaining the flotation fluid. The flotation bag operates in asubstantially similar manner as the ballasting receptacle. The flotationfluid inflates the flotation bag, to increase the buoyancy of theflotation bag.

The term “manhole” and the like refers to an opening that allows anadult human to pass therethrough.

The following list is a legend of the numbering of the applicationillustrations:

-   -   10 profiles    -   20 connectors    -   30 utility units    -   100 inner elongated modular floor element    -   102 inner elongated modular floor element upper portion    -   104 inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle        portion    -   105 opening    -   106 elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing    -   107 flotation fluid (occupying the ballasting receptacle)    -   108 top facet of inner elongated modular floor element        ballasting receptacle portion    -   110 ballasting receptacle inner volume    -   120 peripheral elongated modular floor element    -   122 peripheral elongated modular floor element upper portion    -   124 peripheral elongated modular floor element ballasting        receptacle portion    -   126 peripheral elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing        module    -   128 top facet of peripheral elongated modular floor element        ballasting receptacle portion    -   130 cushion    -   131 stretching sleeve    -   131 a stretching sleeve bottom    -   131 b stretching sleeve hole    -   132 peripheral elongated modular floor element upper portion        outer facet    -   134 peripheral elongated modular floor element ballasting        receptacle portion outer facet    -   135 partition barrier    -   140 cross intersection modular floor element    -   142 cross intersection modular floor element upper portion    -   144 cross intersection modular floor element ballasting        receptacle portion    -   146 cross intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module    -   148 top facet of cross intersection modular floor element        ballasting receptacle portion    -   160 T-intersection modular floor element    -   162 T-intersection modular floor element upper portion    -   164 T-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle        portion    -   166 T-intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module    -   168 top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of T-intersection        modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion    -   180 corner modular floor element    -   182 corner modular floor element upper portion    -   184 corner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion    -   186 corner flotation fluid conducting tubing module    -   188 top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of corner modular        floor element ballasting receptacle portion    -   200 flooring tile    -   200W flooring tile weight    -   200LF flooring tile lifting force    -   200SF flooring tile side force    -   202 drainage hole    -   220 flotation fluid tubes    -   222 flotation fluid sub tube    -   224 one way check valve    -   226 flotation fluid discharge valve    -   252 x-flotation fluid conducting tube    -   254 y-flotation fluid conducting tube    -   256 flotation fluid conducting valve    -   270 raisable floor platform    -   280 raisable floor    -   281 raisable floor upper surface    -   304 volume section    -   344 flotation bag    -   400 auxiliary units    -   402 human-machine interface    -   404 command and control unit    -   406 flotation fluid source, (such a compressor)    -   408 manifold    -   502 second type sensor (hydrophones/energy/location sensor)    -   504 pressure sensor    -   600 modular floor elements    -   700 manhole    -   700 x manhole side minimum dimension    -   700C manhole circle    -   700D manhole circle diameter    -   800 pool    -   801 pool wall    -   802 pool bottom    -   803 water    -   804 water surface    -   805 modular floor elements depth    -   1000 rapid elevation floor system

When the accompanying description of a specific illustration mentions anelement not shown in that illustration or without numbering, itsnumbering is shown in parentheses, and can be found in one or more otherillustrations.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an isometric schematicillustration of an illustrative, exemplary embodiment of an innerelongated modular floor element 100, according to the present invention,upon which the section plane a-a is marked.

Inner elongated modular floor element 100 includes an inner elongatedmodular floor element upper portion 102, an inner elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 104, and an elongatedflotation fluid conducting tubing 106. The inner elongated modular floorelement upper portion 102 is coupled with a top facet of inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 108. The innervolume of inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 104 operates as a ballasting receptacle. The elongated flotationfluid conducting tubing 106 is incorporated with the inner elongatedmodular floor element upper portion 102, and is in fluid connection withthe inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion104. Alternatively, the elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing 106is separate from the inner elongated modular floor element upper portion102, and is in fluid connection with the inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 104.

The inner elongated modular floor element upper portion 102 is in theshape of an elongated closed box. The inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 104 is in the shape of a box withat least one opening in the bottom facet. The length of the innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 issubstantially the same as that of the inner elongated modular floorelement upper portion 102. The width of the inner elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 is greater than that ofthe inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion102. Therefore, two plateaus are formed on the top facet of innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 108, whichare vacant. The elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing 106 includesa plurality of flotation fluid tubes 220, composed of nine as shown inthe configuration of the present illustration.

The elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing 106 is in fluidconnection with other tubing modules, to form a continuous flotationfluid conducting tubing. The elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing106 is in fluid connection with a flotation fluid source, (406) such acompressor, via the continuous flotation fluid conducting tubing. Theelongated flotation fluid conducting tubing 106 conducts the flotationfluid from the flotation fluid source (406), to the inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 and to thecontinuous flotation fluid conducting tubing.

The inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion104 receives the flotation fluid (107) from the elongated flotationfluid conducting tubing 106, as described herein below with reference toFIG. 7 a, to increase the buoyancy of the inner elongated modular floorelement 100. The flotation fluid (107) pushes the water of the pool outof the inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 104 through the at least one opening in the bottom facet of theinner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104.Inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104contains the flotation fluid inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 104 can discharge the flotation fluid(107), as described herein below with reference to FIG. 7 a, to decreasethe buoyancy of the inner elongated modular floor element 100. It isnoted that, a flotation bag (344) can be coupled to the bottom facet ofthe inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion104 such that when filled with flotation fluid (107) it protrudes fromthe inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion104. The protruding flotation bag (344) can float on the surface of thewater occupying the pool, thus elevating the inner elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 above the water surface.

Each modular floor element interconnects with other modular floorelements for forming a raisable floor platform 270. Each of the vacantplateaus, of the top facet of inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 108, supports a flooring tile 200 asdescribed herein below with reference to FIG. 6.

It is noted that, the inner elongated modular floor element 100 as wellas other modular floor elements, can be a single unit of cast plastic.

FIG. 2 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a peripheral elongated modular floor element120, according to the present invention.

Peripheral elongated modular floor element 120 includes a peripheralelongated modular floor element upper portion 122, peripheral elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 124, a peripheralelongated flotation fluid conducting tubing module 126, and cushion 130.The peripheral elongated modular floor element upper portion 122 iscoupled with a top facet of peripheral elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 128. The peripheral elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 124 operates as a ballastingreceptacle. The peripheral elongated flotation fluid conducting tubingmodule 126, is incorporated with the peripheral elongated modular floorelement upper portion 122, and is in fluid connection with theperipheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion124. Alternatively, the peripheral elongated flotation fluid conductingtubing module 126 is separate from the peripheral elongated modularfloor element upper portion 122, and is in fluid connection with theperipheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion124. The cushion 130 is coupled with a peripheral elongated modularfloor element upper portion outer facet 132, i.e., the facet that facesa wall of a pool) and with a peripheral elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion outer facet 134.

Alternatively, cushion 130 is coupled with the peripheral elongatedmodular floor element upper portion outer facet 132.

The peripheral elongated modular floor element upper portion 122 is inthe shape of an elongated closed box. The peripheral elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 124 is in the shape of a boxwith at least one opening in the bottom facet. The length of theperipheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion124 is substantially the same length as that of the peripheral elongatedmodular floor element upper portion 12. The width of the peripheralelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 124 isgreater than that of the peripheral elongated modular floor elementupper portion 122. Therefore, a plateau is formed on the top facet ofperipheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion128, which is vacant. The peripheral elongated flotation fluidconducting tubing module 126 includes a plurality of flotation fluidtubes 220, composed of nine in the configuration of the presentillustration.

The peripheral elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing module 126 isin fluid connection with other tubing modules to form a continuousflotation fluid conducting tubing. The peripheral elongated flotationfluid conducting tubing module 126 is in fluid connection with aflotation fluid source (406), via the continuous flotation fluidconducting tubing. The peripheral elongated flotation fluid (107)conducting tubing module 126 conducts the flotation fluid from theflotation fluid source (406), such as a compressor to the peripheralelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 124 to thecontinuous flotation fluid conducting tubing 220.

The peripheral elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 124 operates in substantially the same manner as the innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104, andcan also be coupled with a flotation bag. A cushion 130 softens possiblebruising of body parts of a person that may be caught between the poolwall and the peripheral elongated modular floor element 120.

The peripheral elongated modular floor element 120 interconnects withother modular floor elements for forming the raisable floor surface. Thevacant plateau, of the top facet of peripheral elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 128, supports a flooring tile 200.

It is noted that the peripheral elongated modular floor element 120, aswell as other modular floor elements, can be a single unit of castplastic.

The present illustration shows a state in which the cushion 130 is incontact with a pool wall 801, with which horizontal side force andvertical friction force can be maintained. The illustration also showswater surface 804, in the present case, with part of the peripheralelongated modular floor element 120 protruding above it.

FIG. 3 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element 140,according to the present invention.

The cross intersection modular floor element 140 includes a crossintersection modular floor element upper portion 142, a crossintersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 144,and a cross intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module 146.The cross intersection modular floor element upper portion 142 iscoupled with a top facet of cross intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 148. The inner volume of crossintersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 144operates as a ballasting receptacle. A cross intersection flotationfluid conducting tubing module 146 is incorporated with the crossintersection modular floor element upper portion 142, and is in fluidconnection with the cross intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 144. Alternatively, the cross intersection flotationfluid conducting tubing module 146 is separate from the crossintersection modular floor element upper portion 142, and is in fluidconnection with the cross intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 144.

The cross intersection modular floor element upper portion 142 is in theshape of a cross. The cross intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 144 is in the shape of a box with at leastone opening in the bottom facet. The length and the width of the crossintersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 144 aresubstantially the same as the length and the width of the arms of thecross intersection modular floor element upper portion 142,respectively.

The external dimensions of the top facet of cross intersection modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 148 is larger than that ofthe bottom facet of the cross intersection modular floor element upperportion 142, as shown in the present illustration, therefore fourplateaus are formed the top facet of cross intersection modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 148, which are vacant. The crossintersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module 146 includes aplurality of flotation fluid tubes 220. In the cross configuration ofthe present illustration the ends of groups of nine flotation fluidtubes 220 each are shown, whereas each group is practicallyperpendicular to the other group.

Each one of two cross intersection flotation fluid conducting tubingmodules 146 is in fluid connection with other tubing modules to form acontinuous flotation fluid conducting tubing. The cross intersectionflotation fluid conducting tubing module 146 is in fluid connection witha flotation fluid source 406 unit via the continuous flotation fluidconducting tubing. The cross intersection flotation fluid conductingtubing module 146 conducts the flotation fluid from the flotation fluidsource 406 to the cross intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 144 and to the continuous flotation fluid conductingtubing 220.

The cross intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 144 operates in substantially the same manner as the innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104, andcan also be coupled with a flotation bag 344. The cross intersectionmodular floor element 140 interconnects with other modular floorelements for forming the raisable floor platform 270. Each of the vacantplateaus, of the top facet of cross intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 148 supports a flooring tile. It is notedthat the cross intersection modular floor element 140, as well as othermodular floor elements, can be a single unit of cast plastic.

FIG. 4 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a T-intersection modular floor element 160,according to the present invention.

The T-intersection modular floor element 160 includes a T-intersectionmodular floor element upper portion 162, a T-intersection modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 164, and a T-intersectionflotation fluid conducting tubing module 166. The T-intersection modularfloor element upper portion 162 is coupled with a top facet ofT-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 168.

The inner volume of the T-intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 164 operates as a ballasting receptacle. TheT-intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module 166 isincorporated with the T-intersection modular floor element upper portion162, and is in fluid connection with the T-intersection modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 164. Alternatively, theT-intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module 166 is separatefrom the T-intersection modular floor element upper portion 162, and isin fluid connection with the T-intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 164.

The T-intersection modular floor element upper portion 162 is T-shaped.The T-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion164 is in the shape of a box with at least one opening in the bottomfacet. The length and width of T-intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 164 are substantially the same as thelength and width of the arms of the T of the T-intersection modularfloor element upper portion 162. The surface area of top facet ofballasting receptacle portion of T-intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 168 is larger than that of the bottomfacet the T-intersection modular floor element upper portion 162,therefore two plateaus are formed on the top facet of ballastingreceptacle portion of T-intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 168, which are vacant. T-intersection flotation fluidconducting tubing module 166 includes a plurality of flotation fluidtubes 220. The configuration of the present illustration shows the endsof two groups of nine flotation fluid tubes 220 each, which arepractically perpendicular to each other.

Each one of two T-intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing modules166 is in fluid connection with other tubing modules to form acontinuous flotation fluid conducting tubing. T-intersection flotationfluid conducting tubing module 166 is in fluid connection with aflotation fluid source 406 via the continuous flotation fluid conductingtubing. T-intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing module 166conducts the flotation fluid from the flotation fluid source 406 toballasting receptacle portion 164 and to the continuous flotation fluidconducting tubing.

The T-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion164 operates substantially the same as the inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 104, and can also be coupled witha flotation bag 344.

The T-intersection modular floor element 160 interconnects with othermodular floor elements for forming the raisable floor surface platform270. Each of the vacant plateaus of a T-intersection modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 168 supports a flooring tile 200.

It is noted that the T-intersection modular floor element 160, as wellas other modular floor elements, can be a single unit of cast plastic.

FIG. 5 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a corner modular floor element 180, according tothe present invention.

The corner modular floor element 180 includes a corner modular floorelement upper portion 182, a corner modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 184, and a corner flotation fluid conducting tubingmodule 186. The corner modular floor element upper portion 182 iscoupled with a top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of cornermodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 188.

The top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of corner modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 188 operates as a ballastingreceptacle. The corner flotation fluid conducting tubing module 186 isincorporated with the corner modular floor element upper portion 182,and is in fluid connection with the corner modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 184. Alternatively, the corner flotationfluid conducting tubing module 186 is separate from the corner modularfloor element upper portion 182, and is in fluid connection with thecorner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 184.

The corner modular floor element upper portion 182 is L-shaped. Thecorner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 184 is in theshape of a box with at least one opening in the bottom facet. The lengthand the width of the corner modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 184 are substantially the same as the length and width of thearms of the L of the corner modular floor element upper portion 182. Thesurface area of the corner modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 184 is larger than that of the corner modular floor elementupper portion 182, therefore one plateau is formed on the top facet ofballasting receptacle portion of corner modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 188, which is vacant. Each one of two cornerflotation fluid conducting tubing module 186 includes a plurality oftubes. The configuration of the present illustration shows the ends oftwo groups of nine flotation fluid tubes 220 each, which are practicallyperpendicular to each other.

Each corner flotation fluid conducting tubing module 186 is in fluidconnection with other tubing modules to form a continuous flotationfluid conducting tubing. Each corner flotation fluid conducting tubingmodule 186 is in fluid connection with a flotation fluid source 406 viathe continuous flotation fluid conducting tubing. Each corner flotationfluid conducting tubing module 186 conducts the flotation fluid (107)from the flotation fluid source 406 to the corner modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 184 and to the continuous flotation fluidconducting tubing.

The corner modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 184operates substantially the same as the inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 104, and can also be coupled witha flotation bag (344). The corner modular floor element 180interconnects with other modular floor elements and a different cornermodular floor element 180, for forming the raisable floor upper surface281. The vacant plateau of the ballasting receptacle portion of cornermodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 188 supports aflooring tile 200.

It is noted that the corner modular floor element 180, as well as othermodular floor elements, can be a single unit of cast plastic.

FIG. 6 is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a flooring tile 200, according to the presentinvention.

Flooring tile 200 includes a plurality of drainage holes 202. Drainageholes 202 are detachably coupled with other modular floor elements forforming raisable floor upper surface 281. Flooring tile 200 is wedgedbetween at least two opposing other modular floor elements, such thatwhen the raisable floor 280, (not shown in the present drawing, shown inFIG. 9 b), is sinking underwater, the buoyancy of flooring tile 200 istoo weak to pull flooring tile 200 out of the raisable floor 280.Preferably, flooring tile 200 is wedged between four opposing othermodular floor elements. A child can detach flooring tile 200 from theraisable floor 280 by pushing a flooring tile 200, if he is accidentallycaught underneath the raisable floor 280.

For this purpose, the flooring tile weight 200W of each flooring tile200 is limited to a predetermined maximum value, such as 2 kilograms.

An additional desired feature of the flooring tile 200 is floatabilityin water.

The flooring tile 200 preferably has a specific gravity (which bydefinition is dimensionless), smaller that of the pool water. Thus, ifit is detached from raisable floor 280, which is immersed in the poolwater, it will rise and float upon the water surface, and thus signal topeople out of the water that something unusual has occurred.

Namely, the flooring tile specific gravity is preferably smaller than1.0.

When the flooring tile 200 is installed as a part of raisable floor 280,the elements surrounding it apply horizontal flooring tile side forces200SF. These forces ensure that the flooring tile 200 will notdisconnect from its place and float to the water surface when theraisable floor 280 is immersed in the water.

The manner by which flooring tile 200 is held in place, and the mannerby which it is released from this hold can also be by other means thanas presently proposed.

Disconnection of flooring tile 200 from the raisable floor 280 requiresthe activation of flooring tile lifting force 200LF with an upwardscomponent that will overcome these forces, and if it is not immersed inwater,

With regard to the flooring tile weight 200W as well, the geometricaldimensions, the shapes, and the friction coefficients creating theflooring tile side forces 200SF must be such that the needed flooringtile lifting force 200LF is within a predetermined range that is neithertoo small nor too large.

A human operator can detach flooring tile 200 from the raisable floor280, by pulling the flooring tile 200, in order to make a manhole in theraisable floor 280, (e.g., an opening for inserting a cleaning robotinto the pool). Drainage hole 202 enable water to drain there throughthem.

FIG. 7 a is a cross sectional view a-a illustrative, exemplaryembodiment of an inner elongated modular floor element 100, according tothe present invention.

Inner elongated modular floor element 100 includes inner elongatedmodular floor element upper portion 102, inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion 104, a plurality of flotationfluid tubes 220, a flotation fluid sub tube 222, a one way check valve224, and a flotation fluid discharge valve 226.

Instead of a flotation fluid sub tube 222, a one way check valve 224 canbe directly inserted into the applicable drill hole of flotation fluidtube 220.

The flotation fluid tubes 220, the flotation fluid sub tube 222, and theone way check valve 224 form together elongated flotation fluidconducting tubing 106. The one way check valve 224 is in the form of avalve which enables fluid flow from an inner elongated modular floorelement upper portion 102 into inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 104, and blocks fluid flow from innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 intoinner elongated modular floor element upper portion 102.

An inner elongated modular floor element upper portion 102 is coupledwith an inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion 104. A flotation fluid tube 220 is coupled with a flotationfluid sub tube 222. A flotation fluid sub tube 222 is coupled with a oneway check valve 224. The flotation fluid discharge valve 226 is locatedon a top facet of inner elongated modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 108.

The flotation fluid tubes 220 are in fluid connection with thecontinuous flotation fluid conducting tubing. A flotation fluid sub tube222 enables the flow of flotation fluid 107 into the inner volume ofelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104,namely the ballasting receptacle inner volume 110, which operates as aballasting receptacle. The flotation fluid discharge valve 226 enablesselective discharge of the flotation fluid 107 from the inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104.

The flotation fluid source (406), pumps flotation fluid 107 into thecontinuous flotation fluid conducting tubing. The flotation fluid tube220 receives the flotation fluid 107 from the continuous flotation fluidconducting tubing. The flotation fluid sub tube 222 receives theflotation fluid 107 from flotation fluid tube 220. An inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 receives theflotation fluid 107 from a flotation fluid sub tube 222 and contains theflotation fluid 107 there within. The flotation fluid 107 fills theinner volume of an inner elongated modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion 104 and pushes the water of the pool out of the innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 via atleast one opening 105 in the bottom facet of the inner elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion 104. In order to fill aninner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion withflotation fluid 107, the flotation fluid source (406) can pump flotationfluid 107 only into flotation fluid tubes 220. In this manner bycontrolling which one of the flotation fluid tubes 220 receive flotationfluid 107, a controller can control which modular floor element willreceive flotation fluid 107 and will float first. Alternatively, theinner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104receives the flotation fluid 107 from more than one flotation fluid subtube 222, which are coupled between the flotation fluid tubes 220 andthe inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion104, via one flotation fluid discharge valve 226.

A flotation fluid discharge valve 226 discharges at least a portion ofthe flotation fluid 107 from an inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 104, to decrease the buoyancy of the innerelongated modular floor element 100.

The at least one opening 105 of the bottom facet of the inner elongatedmodular floor element 100 enables the flotation fluid 107 to push thewater from of the ballasting receptacle inner volume 110, of the innerelongated modular floor element 100 into the pool. At least one opening105 is under the water surface of the pool at all times. When theraisable floor 280, (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIG. 9b), is elevated above the height of the water surface, each of at leastone opening 105 is maintained under the water surface by employing anextension device extending from the at least one opening 105 tounderneath the water surface of the pool, such that the at least oneopening 105 will enable passage of the water from inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 104 into the waterof the pool.

An extension device of the at least one opening 105 is in the form of atelescopic snorkel. Alternatively, the extension device is of adifferent form, such as a flexible sleeve, a rigid tube, and the like.It is further noted that elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing(106), is substantially similar to peripheral elongated flotation fluidconducting tubing module 126, cross intersection flotation fluidconducting tubing module 146, T-intersection flotation fluid conductingtubing module 166, and corner flotation fluid conducting tubing module186.

Each opening 105 (the present illustration shows only one) is connectedto a stretching sleeve 131 made of a flexible material with at least onestretching sleeve hole 131 b at its bottom or side, for the purpose ofdraining water.

The stretching sleeve bottom 131 a is made of a material which does notfloat in water, therefore when the inner elongated modular floor element100, as a part of the raisable floor 280, is elevated above the waterlevel, the openings of the stretching sleeve 131 will remain immersed inthe water and maintain a suitable pressure within the ballastingreceptacle inner volume 110, which will prevent air from escaping.

FIG. 7 b is a cross sectional view a-a illustrative, exemplaryembodiment of an inner elongated modular floor element 100, including apartition barrier 135, according to the present invention. Thedesignation of the partition barrier 135 is to limit the movement of airwithin the ballasting receptacle inner volume 110 as a result of anglesthat the inner elongated modular floor element 100 may reach, for thepurpose of improving the stability of the raisable floor (280) and itscontrollability.

The partition barriers 135 are disposed within the ballasting receptacleinner volume 110, while being attached to its upper side and walls,leaving a gap between the barriers and its bottom.

FIG. 7 c is an isometric view illustrative, exemplary embodiment of apartition barrier 135, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 a is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element upperportion 142, according to the present invention.

The present illustration shows a Cartesian x-y coordinate system, whichis practically on the same plane of the cross intersection modular floorelement upper portion 142, and it serves the purpose of defining thedirections in the illustration.

The set of the x-flotation fluid conducting tube 252, the set ofy-flotation fluid conducting tube 254, and the flotation fluidconducting valves 256 are a part of cross intersection flotation fluidconducting tubing module 146.

Each flotation fluid conducting valves 256 is coupled between anx-flotation fluid conducting tube 252, and a y-flotation fluidconducting tube 254.

Each of the flotation fluid conducting valve 256 controls the passage offlotation fluid between an x-flotation fluid conducting tubes 252, and ay-flotation fluid conducting tube 254.

The flotation fluid conducting valves 256 are constant valves, whichmaintain their status of operation (i.e., open or closed valve). Thestatus of operation of each of the flotation fluid conducting valves 256is pre-determined. The flotation fluid conducting valves 256 can beconical at both ends, to decrease flotation fluid turbulence duringpassage between the x-flotation fluid conducting tube 252, and they-flotation fluid conducting tubes 254. Alternatively, the flotationfluid conducting valves 256 are coupled with a controller, whichcontrols them, either automatically or according to an input from auser.

It is noted that, the flotation fluid conducting valves 256 enable quickpassage of flotation fluid without unnecessary turbulence.

The configuration of the set of the x-flotation fluid conducting tubes252, the set of y-flotation fluid conducting tubes 254, and theflotation fluid conducting valves 256, as described herein applies alsoto other modular floor elements which include two sets of flotationfluid conducting tubes, such as a T intersection modular floor element(160), and a corner modular floor element (180). This configurationapplies to any number of flotation fluid conducting tubes greater thanone.

Alternatively, other configurations can be employed. For example, at apoint of intersection of a pair of flotation fluid conducting tubes(i.e., the pair includes one x-flotation fluid conducting tube 252, andone y-flotation fluid conducting tube 254), each of the flotation fluidconducting tubes can assume the shape of a half-cylinder. The halfcylinder depression, in each of the flotation fluid conducting tubes,interconnects with the half cylinder depression of the other flotationfluid conducting tube. The flotation fluid conducting valve 256 isreplaced by an opening on a common wall of the half cylinder depressionsof the flotation fluid conducting tubes (i.e., the opening replaces anopen valve and a solid common wall replaces a closed valve, thus theflotation fluid flow scheme is constant).

FIG. 8 b is a front view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of an intersection of a x-flotation fluidconducting tube 252, a y-flotation fluid conducting tub 254, and aflotation fluid conducting valve 256, of a cross intersection modularfloor element upper portion (142), according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 a is a top view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor platform 270, namely a raisablefloor 280, (not shown in the present drawing, shown in FIG. 9 b),without flooring tiles 200, and without any other accessories, accordingto the present invention.

The raisable floor platform 270 is produced by connection of theperipheral modules of peripheral elongated modular floor element 120,which are interconnected by means of T-intersection modular floorelements 160 and corner modular floor element 180.

T-intersection modular floor elements 160 connect to inner elongatedmodular floor element 100, which connect to cross intersection modularfloor element 140, thus created a square grid with clear and sunkensurfaces which are top facet of inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 108, top facet of peripheral elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 128, top facet ofcross intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion148, top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of T-intersectionmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion 168, and top facetof ballasting receptacle portion of corner modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion 188. These available and clear and sunkensurfaces can carry flooring tiles (200).

The external dimensions from a top view of the floor elements, such asthe inner elongated modular floor element 100, the peripheral elongatedmodular floor element 120, the cross intersection modular floor element140, the T-intersection modular floor element 160, and the cornermodular floor element 180, as well as their shapes and their positionsrelative to each other, ensure that a raisable floor platform 270 willinclude at least one manhole 700. The need for a manhole 700 has alreadybeen described in detail with regard to FIG. 6, note that the size andshape of each manhole 700 are designed to enable any or almost anyperson passage through it.

When a manhole 700 has a square section shape, the value of each manholeside minimum dimension 700 x will be no smaller than a predeterminedvalue. A recommended value is 70 centimeters. Another option fordefining the dimensions of the manhole 700 is by it having a manholecircle 700 c, which has a manhole circle diameter 700D, no smaller thana predetermined value.

FIG. 9 b is a top view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor 280, with flooring tiles 200,according to the present invention.

When the flooring tiles 200 are fitted in place and their thickness issufficient to provide the necessary rigidity and pressure when insertedas described, to the depth of the clear sunken surfaces described in theprevious illustrations (as can be seen in FIG. 6), a raisable floorupper surface 281 is obtained, while it includes the upper faces ofvarious elements of the raisable floor 280, such as those of theperipheral elongated modular floor elements 120, the cross intersectionmodular floor elements 140, the T-intersection modular floor elements160, and the corner modular floor elements 180.

The flotation of each of the modular floor elements of the raisablefloor 280 can be controlled, and the illustration shows a division bydotted lines into six volume sections 304, while it is also possible todivide into other numbers of volume sections 304. Each flooring tile 200has drainage holes 202 which enable the passage of water. In addition,the corners of the raisable floor 280 can have installed pressuresensors 504 for the purpose of measurement and transmission of the depthof the corners in the water to the command and control unit (404).Likewise, the raisable floor 280 can have installed second type sensorssuch as hydrophones/energy/location sensors 502, to measure and transmitdata of the occurrences in the pool to an early detection, location, andidentification system.

FIG. 10 a is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element 140with a flotation bag 344, full of flotation fluid (107), according tothe present invention.

The cross intersection modular floor element 140 is coupled with a topfacet of the flotation bag 344. It is noted that, flotation bag 344cross section can be of any shape (e.g., circular, rectangular square,and the like). It is further noted that, flotation bag 344 can becoupled to other elements, as long as they have a suitable openingunderneath, such as to inner elongated modular floor element 100, toperipheral elongated modular floor element 120, to cross intersectionmodular floor element 140, and to corner modular floor element 180.

The flotation bag 344 is in the form of a bag made of a polymer, such asnylon, polyethylene, and the like.

A flotation bag 344 enables the modular floor element to which it isconnected to elevate above the water surface of the pool, by extendingbeyond the depth of a ballast receptacle.

A flotation bag 344 can connect to different kinds of openings, asnecessary. Alternatively, it can be a standalone accessory that isconnected to necessary locations, with independent air supply.

A flotation bag 344, in the configuration of the present illustration,receives air supply from ballasting receptacle inner volume 110. Wheninflation commences, the water is pressed out of the openings, and afterall of the water is expelled, the air continues to expand to inflationof the flotation bag 344. With elevation of the raisable floor (280),the stretching sleeves (131) keep the water exhaust openings underwater,thus maintaining the pressure within the ballasting receptacle innervolume 110, so the flotation bags 344 inflate and keep lifting raisablefloor (280).

FIG. 10 b is an isometric schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a cross intersection modular floor element 140with a flotation bag 344, empty of flotation fluid (107), according tothe present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates the flow ofsensor data, command and control signals, and pressures in the rapidelevation floor system 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The rapid elevation floor system 1000 includes auxiliary units 400, suchas a human-machine interface 402, a command and control unit 404, and aflotation fluid source 406, which are all operatively connected to theraisable floor 280.

The raisable floor 280 is divided in the configuration of the presentillustration into six volume sections 304, and the four corner sectionscontain second type sensor, such as hydrophones/energy/location sensors502, and pressure sensors 504, which transmit the results of theirmeasurements to command and control unit 404.

The command and control unit 404 receives and transmits signals from andto a human-machine interface 402, and also sends command signals to amanifold 408.

The manifold 408 is installed in a preselected location on raisablefloor 280, such as one of its corners.

The manifold 408 receives pressures of the flotation fluid source 406and feeds pressures of flotation fluid to the volume sections 304, asnecessary.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the hierarchy of the sub-systemscomposing raisable floor 280, according to the present invention.

The raisable floor 280 includes the raisable floor platform 270 andadditional elements.

The raisable floor 280 can include profiles 10, connectors 20, andutility units 30.

The profiles 10 can include inner elongated modular floor elements 100,and peripheral elongated modular floor elements 120.

The connectors 20 can include cross intersection modular floor elements140, T-intersection modular floor elements 160, and corner modular floorelements 180.

The utility units 30 can include flotation bags 344, flooring tiles 200,cushions 130, and stretching sleeves 131.

The raisable floor 280 also includes a plurality of manholes 700,disposed on a raisable floor platform 270, and no less than one manhole700, even for a very small swimming pool.

FIG. 13 is a top view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor platform 270, namely a raisablefloor (280) without flooring tiles 200, and without any otheraccessories, according to the present invention.

The present illustration shows many various possibilities for assemblinga raisable floor platform 270 from a variety of modular floor elements600 with many various shapes, from a top view.

Among the modular floor elements 600 are also the inner elongatedmodular floor element (100), the peripheral elongated modular floorelement (120), the cross intersection modular floor element (140) theT-intersection modular floor element (160), and the corner modular floorelement (180), all of which have been described in detail in previousillustrations, however the present invention is not limited strictly totheir use.

The special features of the rapid elevation floor system, according tothe present invention, resulting from its unique structure, also includethe following:

Installment of the system in a pool does not require installation ofconstruction or any other intervention with the pool's structure.

The system has no need for moving parts (other than internal componentsof the valves), such as support elements. The term “moving parts” hereis used in reference to parts that move relative to other parts of thesystem, while it is obvious that parts of the system can move relativeto the pool.

The system has no need for metal structure components.

The system has no need for a hydraulic system.

When air or water (803) flows through the system, it flows in parallelthrough several parts of the system, and without any need for emptyingfluid from pipes, thus enabling fast and controlled response time duringraising.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a pool 800.

Pool 800 has pool walls 801, and a pool bottom 802, and there is water(803) inside of it. Installation of a rapid elevation floor system(1000) changes nothing in the structure of the pool 800, and if it isremoved, no traces are left in the pool 800.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method forassembling a rapid elevation floor system in a pool containing water,according to the present invention, the method includes the stages of:

assembling a raisable floor (280) on the water (803) inside the pool,(stage 40);

adding sensors to the raisable floor (280), and connecting the raisablefloor platform to auxiliary units (400), (stage 50);

laying flooring tiles (200) on the raisable floor (280) (stage 60); and

sinking the raisable floor (280) to a bottom of the pool (stage 70).

The process of sinking to the floor of the pool includes draining airfrom spaces within raisable floor (280).

Stage 40 can include, without limiting the present invention in any way,the sub-stages of:

laying a corner modular floor element (180) on the water (803), (stage41);

laying two peripheral elongated modular floor element (120) on the water(803) and connecting them to the corner modular floor element (180),(stage 42);

laying a T-intersection modular floor element (160) on the water (803)and connecting it to a peripheral elongated modular floor element (120),(stage 43);

laying an inner elongated modular floor element (100) on the water (803)and connecting it to a peripheral elongated modular floor element (120),(stage 44); and laying a cross intersection modular floor element (140)on the water (803) and connecting it to an inner elongated modular floorelement (100), (stage 45).

Likewise, adding additional modular floor elements (600) until theentire area of the pool is covered with elements between which manholes(700) are formed.

All of the elements numbered and mentioned in this description appear inprevious illustrations.

Stage 50 can include, without limiting the present invention in any way,the sub-stages of:

operatively connecting an human-machine interface (402), a command andcontrol unit (404), a flotation fluid source (406), and a manifold(408), (stage 51); and operatively connecting a second type sensor(502), and a pressure sensor (504) to the raisable floor (280), (stage51).

Cushions (130), which are connected to the external perimeter, from atop view, of the raisable floor (280) are made of material such asrubber with a high friction coefficient, and when they are inflated,they create friction with the internal walls of the pool. Thus, theraisable floor (280) can be locked to a certain depth.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method for rapidand controlled elevation of a raisable floor (280) in a pool (800)according to the present invention, the method comprising the stage of:

elevating a raisable floor (280) to a water surface (804) in the pool(800), (stage 80), wherein the raisable floor (280) includes:

(i) at least two modular floor elements (600), wherein at least some ofwhich include a ballasting receptacle inner volume (110), the ballastingreceptacle inner volume (110) being adapted to receive and discharge avolume of a flotation fluid (107); and

(ii) a flotation fluid conducting tubing (252, 254) in fluid connectionwith the ballasting receptacle inner volume (110), wherein the flotationfluid conducting tubing (252, 254) of at least one modular floor element(600) is in fluid connection with the flotation fluid conducting tubing(252, 254) of at least three other of the modular floor elements (600),for forming a continuous flotation fluid conducting tubing (252, 254).

Stage 80 can include, without limiting the present invention in any way,the sub-stages of:

(i) keeping a predetermined amount of flotation fluid (107) insideballasting receptacle inner volumes (110) of the raisable floor (280)for controlling a raisable floor specific gravity, wherein the raisablefloor (280) is laying on a pool bottom (802), (sub-stage 81).

The specific gravity is selected so that its value is only slightlyhigher than that of the water. This ensures that as long as raising isnot being performed, the raisable floor (280) remains in contact withthe pool bottom (802), while only a small quantity of flotation fluid(107) will need to flow in order to commence the raising process;

(ii) infusing flotation fluid (107) inside the ballasting receptacleinner volumes (110) of the raisable floor (280) for controlled elevationof the raisable floor (280) (sub-stage 82);

(iii) measuring modular floor elements depth (805) differences insidethe water (803) among certain of the at least two modular floor elements(600), (sub-stage 83);

(iv) balancing the raisable floor (280) by infusing controlled amount offlotation fluid (107) into the ballasting receptacle inner volumes(110), (sub-stage 84); and

(v) limiting a movement of flotation fluid (107) within the ballastingreceptacle inner volumes (110), as a result of modular floor elementsdepth (805) differences, for the purpose of improving a stability of theraisable floor (280) and its controllability, (sub-stage 85).

The method for in pool can further comprising the stage of:

(b) before elevating the raisable floor (280), detecting an unusualsituation inside the water (803) of the pool (800), (stage 90).

Stage 90 can include, without limiting the present invention in any way,the sub-stages of:

(i) receiving a signals from at least one sensor (502, 504), (sub-stage91); and

(ii) recognizing the signals as a result from an emergency situation,(sub-stage 92).

FIGS. 17 a-17 h is eight top view schematic illustrations showingvarious stages of placing elements upon the surface of the water 803,according to the present invention.

One good manner for installation is attaching parts to each other, whenthey are on the floor, near the edge of the pool, and pushing them intothe water, while continuing to attach parts outside of the pool and pushthem in, until the entire pool is covered. A good manner forinstallation in the case of a rectangular pool is to perform theattachment near one of the short sides of the pool, one row after theother.

The state shown in FIG. 17 a is after placing several elements near thepool and attaching them to each other, for example by gluing them. Theelements shown in the present illustration are:

one corner modular floor element 180, two peripheral elongated modularfloor elements 120, one T-intersection modular floor element 160 and oneinner elongated modular floor element 100.

The state shown in FIG. 17 b is after assembly of elements into a wholerow, which in the present case, corresponds with the width of the pool.

The state shown in FIG. 17 c is after pushing some of the elements,which have already been attached to each other, into the pool.

The state shown in FIG. 17 d is after pushing all of the elementscovering the entire area of the pool, and also after placing oneflooring tile 200.

Placement of the elements can also be in a different order of stages,and the order presented above is in no way limiting the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a side view schematic illustration of an illustrative,exemplary embodiment of a raisable floor 280 inside water 803 betweenpool walls 801, according to the present invention.

In the state shown in the present illustration, the raisable floor 280is at a distance from both the pool bottom 802 and the water surface804. This state also occurs both during sinking of the raisable floor280 toward the pool bottom 802 and during raising toward the watersurface 804.

During raising, the raisable floor 280 is preferably entirelyhorizontal, and the control of horizontality can be facilitated withdata regarding modular floor elements depth 805.

The following is a summary of some of the features of the presentinvention which may provide one or more advantages over the prior art,and which may enable it to serve for life-saving in swimming pools.

The system may involve a combination of mechanical elements not presentin the prior art solutions, including: valves, pipes, ballastingreceptacles, partition barriers, air bags, air cushions, manual orcomputer controlled operation, communication with a drowning detectionsystem for rapid and automatic elevation of the floor in the case of analarm signal received by the detection system.

The system may have a modular construction.

The system may include partition barriers implemented inside theballasting receptacles. The cross section of each such partition barrieris smaller that the inner cross section of the ballasting receptacles.

The elevating floor system according to the present invention may enableto automatically rescue a drowning person and lift him above the waterlevel.

The top surface of the “elevation floor system” according to theinvention can be adjusted at a variable height from the floor bottom,such that the whole floor system is submerged under the water, or thatthe top surface of the elevation system is leveled with the water levelin the pool, or that the top surface of the elevating system is raisedabove the water level in order to level it with the ground level.

The elevating floor system according to the invention can elevate fasterthan prior art solutions. In addition, the flotation mechanism mayenable control of the elevation speed and tilts of the whole elevationfloor system.

The design of the elevating floor system according to the presentinvention may be based on flotation fluid pipes built in the top of theballasting receptacles. The flotation fluid may enter the ballastingreceptacles through one way valves which keeps the pool's fluid fromentering the ballasting pipes, thereby providing a method for instantdistribution of flotation fluid to remote parts of the floor system.

The elevating floor system according to the present invention may beready for operation at the bottom of the pool with the ballastingreceptacles already partially filled with flotation fluid. This providesa capability such that only an additional small volume of flotationfluid is sufficient for lifting the whole floor system.

The flotation fluid may enter the top of the ballasting receptacles.Thus, the surface area between the flotation fluid and pool fluid may bemaximized and the work necessary to empty the ballasting receptaclesfrom the pool fluid is minimal This manner of filling may enable fastelevation of the floor system.

Partition barriers may be placed inside the ballasting receptacles forcontrolling and slowing the air flow in the ballasting receptacles thusproviding a capability for raising the elevating floor system of theinvention in a restrained fashion.

The flotation mechanism according to the invention may receive inputsignal from a feedback system, thus providing a capability for a safeand controlled manner of elevating the floor system.

The manner of installation of the elevation floor system of the currentinvention need not require emptying the pool or interfering with thepool's structure.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations,modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rapid elevation floor system, for disposingover the bottom of a pool, the rapid elevation floor system comprising:(A) a raisable floor, wherein said raisable floor includes: (a) an innerelongated modular floor element; (b) at least two peripheral elongatedmodular floor elements, having a peripheral elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion outer facet; (c) at least oneintersection modular floor element; (d) at least two T-intersectionmodular floor elements; and (e) at least two corner modular floorelement, wherein each of said corner modular floor elements isoperatively connected to two of said peripheral elongated modular floorelements, wherein each of said T-intersection modular floor elements isoperatively connected to two peripheral elongated modular floorelements, wherein each of said inner elongated modular floor elements isoperatively connected to one of said T-intersection modular floorelements, and to a cross intersection modular floor elements, andwherein said raisable floor has a raisable floor upper surface.
 2. Therapid elevation floor system of claim 1, wherein each one of said innerelongated modular floor elements includes: (i) an inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, that can containfluids, said inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion having at least one top facet of inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion; (ii) an inner elongated modularfloor element upper portion, disposed on said inner elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion; and (iii) an elongatedflotation fluid conducting tubing mounted inside said inner elongatedmodular floor element upper portion.
 3. The rapid elevation floor systemof claim 2, wherein each one of said peripheral elongated modular floorelement includes: (i) a peripheral elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion, that can contain fluids, said peripheralelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion having atleast one top facet of peripheral elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion; (ii) a peripheral elongated modular floorelement upper portion, disposed on said peripheral elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion; and (iii) a peripheralelongated flotation fluid conducting tubing module mounted inside saidperipheral elongated modular floor element upper portion.
 4. The rapidelevation floor system of claim 3, wherein each one of said crossintersection modular floor element includes: (i) a cross intersectionmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, that can containfluids, said cross intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion having at least one top facet of cross intersectionmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion; (ii) a crossintersection modular floor element upper portion, disposed on said crossintersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion; and(iii) a cross intersection flotation fluid conducting tubing modulemounted inside said cross intersection modular floor element upperportion.
 5. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 4, wherein eachone of said T-intersection modular floor elements includes: (i) aT-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, thatcan contain fluids, said T-intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion having at least one top facet of ballastingreceptacle portion of T-intersection modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion; (ii) a T-intersection modular floor element upperportion, disposed on said T-intersection modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion; and (iii) a T-intersection flotationfluid conducting tubing module mounted inside said T-intersectionmodular floor element upper portion.
 6. The rapid elevation floor systemof claim 5, wherein each one of said corner modular floor elementincludes: (i) a corner modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion, that can contain fluids, said corner modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion having at least one top facet ofballasting receptacle portion of corner modular floor; (ii) a cornermodular floor element upper portion, disposed on said corner modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion; and (iii) a cornerflotation fluid conducting tubing module mounted inside said cornermodular floor element upper portion.
 7. The rapid elevation floor systemof claim 6 further comprising: (B) at least one flooring tile lying, atleast partially, on said top facet of ballasting receptacle portion ofcorner modular floor, wherein said flooring tile has at least onedrainage hole.
 8. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 6 furthercomprising: (B) at least one flooring tile lying at least on two topfacets selected from a group consisting of two top facet of peripheralelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portions, two topfacet of cross intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacleportions, two top facet of ballasting receptacle portion ofT-intersection modular floor element ballasting receptacle portions, andtwo top facet of ballasting receptacle portion of corner modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portions, wherein said flooring tile hasat least one drainage hole.
 9. The rapid elevation floor system of claim8, wherein said inner elongated modular floor element further includes:(iv) a ballasting receptacle inner volume located inside said innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion; (v) aflotation fluid discharge valve securely connected to said innerelongated modular floor element ballasting receptacle portion, in a waythat enables a selective discharge of a flotation fluid from saidballasting receptacle inner volume; and (vii) a one-way check valvesecurely connected to said inner elongated modular floor elementballasting receptacle portion in a way that enables a fluid flow fromsaid inner elongated modular floor element upper portion into saidballasting receptacle inner volume, and blocks a fluid flow from saidballasting receptacle inner volume, into inner elongated modular floorelement upper portion.
 10. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 9,wherein said inner elongated modular floor element further includes:(viii) a partition barrier disposed inside said inner elongated modularfloor element ballasting receptacle portion.
 11. The rapid elevationfloor system of claim 10, wherein said inner elongated modular floorelement further including: (ix) at least one opening located at a bottomof said inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion; and (x) a stretching sleeve disposed on said inner elongatedmodular floor element ballasting receptacle portion in a way thatenables a fluid flow through said opening from said ballastingreceptacle inner volume into said stretching sleeve and from saidstretching sleeve into said ballasting receptacle inner volume, whereinsaid stretching sleeve includes at least one stretching sleeve hole. 12.The rapid elevation floor system of claim 10, wherein said innerelongated modular floor element further includes: (ix) at least oneopening located at a bottom of said inner elongated modular floorelement ballasting receptacle portion; and (x) a flotation bag disposedon said inner elongated modular floor element ballasting receptacleportion in a way that enables a fluid flow through said opening fromsaid ballasting receptacle inner volume into said flotation bag and fromsaid flotation bag into said ballasting receptacle inner volume.
 13. Therapid elevation floor system of claim 8, wherein said peripheralelongated modular floor element further includes: (iv) a cushiondisposed on said peripheral elongated modular floor element ballastingreceptacle portion outer facet.
 14. The rapid elevation floor system ofclaim 8, wherein said cross intersection flotation fluid conductingtubing module includes a set of x-flotation fluid conducting tubes, aset of y-flotation fluid conducting tubes, and a set of flotation fluidconducting valves, wherein each of said flotation fluid conductingvalves are coupled between an x-flotation fluid conducting tube, and ay-flotation fluid conducting tube.
 15. The rapid elevation floor systemof claim 8, wherein at least one of said cross intersection flotationfluid conducting tubing module is operatively connected to one elongatedflotation fluid conducting tubing in a way enables a direct fluid flowfrom tubes of said cross intersection flotation fluid conducting tubingmodule into tubes of said elongated flotation fluid conducting tubing.16. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 8 further comprising: (C)a manifold; (D) a flotation fluid source; (E) a flotation fluid sourcetube; and (F) at least two manifold tubes, wherein said manifold is influid connection with said raisable floor, through said flotation fluidsource tube, and wherein said flotation fluid source is in fluidconnection with said manifold through said manifold tubes.
 17. The rapidelevation floor system of claim 16, wherein said flotation fluid sourceis a compressor.
 18. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 16wherein said raisable floor further includes: (f) at least one pressuresensor disposed on said raisable floor upper surface; and (g) at leastone second type sensor selected from a group consisting of hydrophonesensor, energy sensor, and location sensor, disposed on said raisablefloor upper surface.
 19. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 18further comprising: (I) a human machine interface; and (J) a command andcontrol unit, wherein said human machine interface is operativelyconnected to said command and control unit, and wherein said humanmachine interface is operatively connected to said second type sensors.20. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 19, wherein said raisablefloor contain an amount of flotation fluid, and wherein said command andcontrol unit commands and controls said amount of flotation fluid. 21.The rapid elevation floor system of claim 20, wherein said rapidelevation floor system have a standby mode of operation, and wherein atsaid standby mode of operation said raisable floor and said amount offlotation fluid has an average specific weight of at most one gram percubic centimeter.
 22. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 19,wherein said raisable floor comprises at least two volume sections,wherein said command and control unit commands and controls aselectively pressure of flotation fluid at said volume sections.
 23. Therapid elevation floor system of claim 1, wherein said raisable floorincludes: (i) at least two modular floor elements, wherein at least someof which include a ballasting receptacle, said ballasting receptaclebeing adapted to receive and discharge a volume of a flotation fluid;and (ii) a flotation fluid conducting tubing in fluid connection withsaid ballasting receptacle, wherein said flotation fluid conductingtubing of at least one said modular floor element is in fluid connectionwith said flotation fluid conducting tubing of at least three other ofsaid modular floor elements, for forming a continuous flotation fluidconducting tubing.
 24. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 16,wherein said rapid elevation floor system includes no hydraulicsub-system, and no metal components and wherein said rapid elevationfloor system includes no moving support elements.
 25. The rapidelevation floor system of claim 23, wherein said rapid elevation floorsystem includes no hydraulic sub-system, and no metal components andwherein said rapid elevation floor system includes no moving supportelements.
 26. The rapid elevation floor system of claim 16, wherein saidraisable floor includes at least one manhole wherein said manhole has amanhole circle having a manhole circle diameter value, wherein saidmanhole circle diameter value has at least a manhole circle diameterpredetermined value, wherein said flooring tile has a flooring tileweight value, wherein said flooring tile weight value has at most tileweigh predetermined value, wherein said flooring tile has a tilespecific gravity less than 1.0.